Thursday June 19, 2025 | LANGFORD, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
E-bikes and e-scooters are now part of the Langford landscape.
The official launch of the Evolve Program by BCAA was held today on Goldstream Avenue in downtown Langford.
Seventy-five e-bikes and 75 e-scooters will be available at 30 stations across the city.
The e-bikes and e-scooter are described as cleaner more efficient modes of travel for commuting to work or to school, or for recreational experiences around town. One of the stops is by a BC Transit Park and Ride.
The Mayor’s remarks:
Official remarks were delivered by City of Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson, BC Automobile Association (BCCA) Senior Manager Kyla Way, and Evolve Head Leanne Buhler.
Goodmanson called the Evolve E-Bike and E-Scooter Share Program “an exciting milestone in Langford’s journey toward a more sustainable, connected and forward-thinking community”.
He calls Evolve a win for mobility and for local innovation. Goodmanson highlighted that the City is “keeping dollars right here in the province” by choosing a BC-owned company for the transportation service.
The new program is a transportation solution that supports the City of Langford’s climate goals, reduces traffic congestion, makes everyday commuting more accessible and more fun for residents, the mayor outlined in his remarks at the outdoor podium.
The program is promoted around Langford as being able to “explore more on two wheels”.
“As Langford continues to grow, so does the need for more flexible, affordable, environmentally responsible ways to get around,” said Goodmanson.
The City is “committed to sustainable growth, true transportation options, and sustainable mode shift”, the mayor said in his remarks today.
In the last two days the e-bikes/scooters have been used by residents, and yesterday Langford Councillor Kimberley Guiry commuted by e-bike to a CRD board meeting in downtown Victoria.
BCAA’s remarks:
BCAA is a roadside and vehicle insurance company that has been around for many decades and is now evolving into the non-vehicle sector of on-road transportation.
“Evolve is BCAA’s newer, cooler, hipper, younger sister that is pertaining to how we move on roads around the region,” said Buhler as the Head of Evolve.
“Now you can choose not to take a car. You can choose to make an active, sustainable choice,” said Buhler today next to the busy Goldstream roundabout through which cars and trucks were driving.
Evolve is affiliated with Evo Care Share, The choices are now cars, e-bikes and e-scooters to fit a person’s mobile needs.
“We know British Columbians really well. We are British Columbians. And we know our needs our changing,” said Buhler in explaining why the shift into shared micro-mobility.
Buhler claimed that “Langford is different, it’s unique”, which the gathered elected officials and staff and local residents do know. “There’s a pride here that’s so special. There’s transparency, there’s honesty, there’s collaboration,” said Buhler in thanking the municipality for their vision and cooperation in helping to launch the Evolve program in one of the fastest-growing communities in BC.
“They know their community. They know what they needed from us. They knew that choosing a BC-based company is important now more than ever. They built this foundation that is going to enable us to grow for years to come in lockstep with the community’s goals,” said Buhler.
As a way of honoring the new relationship between BCAA and the City of Langford, BCAA will donate $1 from every ride taken between June 19 and July 31 to the Goldstream Food Bank.
Transportation Master Plan:
The City of Langford is creating a Transportation Master Plan that will guide the long-term transportation development and an Active Transportation Master Plan that will focus on enhancing options for walking, rolling, cycling, and ways to help alleviate congestion on existing roads.
Local business:
Local business is expected to benefit by the availability of e-bikes and e-scooters for making it easier for people to get around for shopping. errands and appointments.
Brief remarks were delivered at today’s events by local businessman Doug Stuart of Poncho’s Cafe which provided catering for the outdoor sidewalk event at which Mayor and councillors took rides on e-scooters and e-bikes.
RCMP:
A number of Westshore RMCP officers attended today’s announcement. They will of course be watching for safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters on Langford streets.
===== RELATED:
Langford launches app-driven e-bike & e-scooter service (May 16, 2025)
NEWS SECTIONS: LANGFORD | TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL | SPORTS & RECREATION